From teaching the internet about cutting-edge tech to dominating in Call of Duty sessions, Dessy Ocean—born Desmond—embodies versatility.
He is our guest on this week’s episode of Digital Dynamo, our latest interview series where we speak to young Africans who are contributing to the Digital Economy through their career, hobbies, and relationships.
Known for breaking down complex tech concepts and pioneering Ghana’s influencer scene, Dessy also loves immersing himself in gaming, devouring novels and comics, and engaging in conversations that span far beyond his tech expertise.
With a name inspired by a movie mastermind and a career driven by passion, hard work, and consistency, Dessy Ocean is redefining what it means to be a tech creator in Ghana.
BP: First, who is Dessy Ocean when he’s not creating content or hyping Meta AI? We know the tech-savvy, brand-partnering side of you, but what’s the “I just woke up” version like?
Dessy: Yes Dessy Ocean as most people know is the tech creator teaching people on the internet about technology. The side people don’t get to see if the gamer. I love video games a lot and most times you’d find me playing Call of Duty or reading, from novels to autobiographies to comics, I love to read and have an idea on most things at the very least to be able to hold all sorts of conversations that are not related to tech but different things in general.
BP: How did a guy from Ghana end up riding the digital waves with global brands
like Meta, Samsung, and Binance?
Dessy: I’d say it’s some miracle and it’s always been a dream since I began creating content. But in practicality, it’s just hard work, consistency and God’s grace. I’ve been creating content for a very long time, improving as the years go by to a point where I am considered a pioneer in this industry so it becomes easier for some of these brands looking to partner with a Ghanaian tech creator because my name would always pop up based on the work I have put in over the years.
View this post on Instagram
BP: Let’s talk about your name: Dessy Ocean. Is there a backstory? Or were you just like, “Yeah, this sounds cool—let’s roll with it”?
Dessy: There’s an interesting backstory. For Dessy, it’s my actual name just shortened (The long Form is Desmond) but the ocean is where things get interesting. I’ve never been a follower, in terms of getting things done, I’ve always been a planner, in this case, a mastermind, and that was a trait I shared with a movie character from the Ocean 11 franchise. Due to what I considered a similarity or trait, I chose to add the “Ocean” name to my name. Hence Dessy Ocean.
BP: What’s been your “this can’t be real life” moment so far in your content creation journey? You know, the one where you had to pinch yourself and say, “Me? For real?”
Dessy: There have been a couple in succession. A collaboration with TikTok began that feeling where I couldn’t believe it. Being hosted by Google – that particular moment made me realize what I was doing was being seen by the top individuals and organizations, working with Meta as well as being a speaker at the Young Leaders Summit on Youth day hosted by the British High Commission – that cemented the idea of “it’s crazy this is my life now”
BP: Meta AI seems like a big deal. How did you get involved, and what’s been the
wildest use case you’ve shared with your audience?
Dessy: Meta AI is a big deal. In terms of how I got involved, like I said, it’s a miracle and a testament to my growth as a creator and being considered a pioneer in this space. It happened when I received an email from Meta looking to partner in creating a series of videos to showcase their new AI and how it integrates into all their platforms. Based on the feedback I have received from my audience, the wildest use has been the image generative feature which generated very accurate-looking images.
BP: You’re juggling partnerships with brands like Samsung, MTN, and TikTok. How
do you balance it all without running on empty? Be honest, how many cups of coffee are involved?
Dessy: Honestly speaking I’m a great multitasker and I know how to have a balanced life. It is also attributed to the fact that I was raised as a time-conscious individual who sets priorities and ensures all are met. I have no business with Ghana Man Time (GMT). So having multiple partnerships with multiple deadlines doesn’t affect me as I’m able to plan out my schedule accordingly.
BP: Content creation is a hustle, but what’s one thing people assume about
influencers that make you laugh?
Dessy: A lot of people feel influencers are aimless and jobless which I find very funny, especially in the Ghanaian or African communities. They see you talking on camera to be easy and not productive work simply because they don’t know what it entails to the maximum. And funny enough it’s one of the most rewarding fields in terms of revenue for both the young and old, more rewarding than most traditional careers in Ghana.
BP: If you had to describe your content style in three emojis, what would they be
and why? We’re all about vibes here, so make it good.
Dessy: Three emoji – there’s the skeleton 💀 , which looks like a straightforward face – in terms of my content style it’s straightforward, straight to the point, and I’m not looking to waste anyone’s time.
There’s also the grey moon emoji 🌚- which is the side eye – that emoji reflects my reaction videos where I react to news or other creator content.
There’s also the party emoji🥳 – the one with the party hat, signifying my excitement for announcement videos, giveaways and just random content around me gaming or a live video for vibes.
View this post on Instagram
BP: Ghanaian tech influencers aren’t exactly everywhere. How do you use your
platform to inspire others, especially locally?
Dessy: It’s true, the Ghanaian tech influencer scene might not be as massive as some others. But I do see that as an opportunity and my platform is a chance to show young Ghanaians that tech isn’t just a distant dream, it’s happening here, right now and everyone needs to know.
In terms of how I try to inspire, I do this by highlighting Ghanaian success stories which involve me featuring local tech startups, developers, and innovators, Demystifying tech by breaking down complex topics in simple terms. I explain concepts, discuss AI, and explore the latest tech trends in ways that are easy to understand.
I also focus on Sharing my journey by being open about my own experiences – the challenges I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned. I want to show that it’s okay to make mistakes and that perseverance is key.
BP: If you could only keep one gadget for a month, what would it be?
No backups, and no cheating.
Dessy: It would have to be my phone. It could be my gaming platform for when I’m bored, my communications platform for when I need to reach out for business or personal activities and the tool to help me capture moments or create content.
BP: Spill the tea. What’s the hardest part about being a tech content creator?
Is it the deadlines, the algorithm drama, or explaining to people that “Yes, this is a real job”?
Dessy: It’s all of it and more you know. In the beginning, I did need to explain to people, even family, that it is a real job and a real career. One that can be very profitable. The algorithm drama is also very crazy having to know exactly when to post for full maximization of your reach to having the algorithm change completely making you change your content approach when it comes to a particular platform, to having to deal with trolls who simply love to pick on creators for no reason at all other than what I’d assume jealousy.
BP: Imagine a young Ghanaian kid reading this right now, thinking, “I want to be Like Dessy Ocean.” What’s your advice?
Dessy: “To that young Ghanaian kid reading this, here’s what I want you to know:
- Follow Your Passion: Whatever it is that excites you, whether it’s tech, art, science, or anything else, let your passion be your guide. When you love what you do, it never feels like work.
- Be Curious and Keep Learning: The tech world is vast and ever-changing. Stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning. There are countless resources available online, and knowledge is your greatest tool.
- Start Small and Stay Consistent: You don’t need the latest gadgets or a massive following to begin. Use what you have and stay consistent. It’s the small, consistent efforts that build up over time.
Quickfire round!
Best food to eat while editing content? I eat a lot of a samosas
Last series you binged? Marvel What If
App you can’t live without? At this point I’d say my mailing app as I constantly check it more than any other app
One thing you’d never promote, no matter the money? Sex toys – I’ve actually been offered crazy money to review some in the past since it still categorizes as tech but I’ve always de
